“It’s a type of ginger,” I explain as I squat next to a stand of the yard-tall beauties. “If you squeeze the soft, red cones, a clear, fragrant liquid oozes out.” ...

The plant version of ginger has many studied health benefits. These include being a treatment against nausea, headaches and menstrual cramps − and even improving one's blood sugar balance ...

Lightly fragrant, the flowers on this butterfly-type ginger last but a short time. As plants mature, however, they produce more flowering spikes, leading to a terrific show.

It will take about eight to 10 months for your ginger to grow. You should plant it during the winter but protect from cold weather conditions. Keep it inside in the warmth for the best results.